Complexity and the roots of depression have always been a major and complex health issue. Depression contains other health issues such as behavioral, psychological, social, cultural, religious and the spiritual aspects of ones life. Because of the complexity aspects of depression, it should always be treated with one and the “Whole Person” ideology in mind.

The depression epidemic has gotten worse since the September 11th tragedy and all that followed. The stress of the tragedy has put a lot of old wounds of mind back in the front seat, dominating the daily activity in every aspect of everyone’s life, not only in the United States, but also throughout the world.

Dr. Jane Mak, a Neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist has stated that many of her past patients including children, have been back for visits to seek resolution to their flared up old wounds.

Today, four out of every six Americans are having difficulty concentrating on their jobs. Three out of 4 patients take some form of supplements totally unsupervised. Many take the supplements with or without their physician’s knowledge and sometimes in combination with prescription drug/s, presenting safety issues.

Despite the various aches and pains, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, digestive problems, anxiety, guilt and much more, Depression is not a disease by medical evidence. Depression is not more than a “trapped inward feeling”, with no two people experiencing exactly the same symptoms.

True “healing” cannot be achieved by simply “relieving” the pain and symptoms. Studies have shown that if the cause and effect relationship between depression and functional decline is not understood properly, depression can become a killer disease.

Contrary to today’s only approach of treatment, stopping the pain, we must hear the message (the symptom) and understand the message (the symptom) that the body is trying to tell us. The message is simple, something is wrong somewhere. I recommend we stop shooting the messenger (pain) and start being a good listener to our body’s warning signs. My simple message to you, do not self-treat!

I often see patients who have decided to self-prescribe medications or supplements for various problems, depression included. Not only do they mask the real problem, not listening to their body and its symptoms, they run the risk of having dangerous drug interactions. If you are currently on any medication or supplements, please take the time to read the following Drug/s Interaction Dangers. It could save your life.

Food(s) / Supplement(s) / Drug(s) Interaction Dangers

Add-on Interactions:

“Add-on” interactions are the most common type and can be the most dangerous, even fatal. These occur between drugs that have similar effects, either depressant + depressant or stimulant + stimulant.

Stimulants include: antidepressants (MAO inhibitor type drugs and tricyclics family drugs), appetite suppressants, some asthma drugs, caffeine, nasal decongestants, methylphenidate (Ritalin) and pemoline (Cylert). You should always ask your doctor and/or pharmacist about these types of interactions before you take any medication.

Amine-containing foods + MAO inhibitors:

MAO inhibitors are used in some cases of clinical depression. This can be a life threatening combination that may result in a dangerous rise in blood pressure, with severe headache, fever, visual disturbances, and confusion, possibly followed by brain hemorrhage/stroke.

Both types of antidepressant drugs MAOIs and Tricyclics require close monitoring to determine proper dosage. The drugs must be taken for at least three weeks before mood improves. And the side effects associated with these two families (Gambini’s and Kapone’s) can be severe and debilitating.